Key ejector



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L. J. THOMPSON KEY EJECTOR Filed Dec. 2'7, 1954 Marchzo, 1956 Fig. 5

Leonard J. Thompson INVENTOR.

9 BY MW EM This invention generally relates toa key ejector, and more specifically provides an improved device for auto matically ejecting or retracting keys from a lock when the lock does not hold the key therein. I

In the use of locks, it is quite common to forget the key and leave it in the look. This is especially true in the ignition locks normally found on automobiles. This permits the misappropriation or unauthorized use of the automobile. Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a key ejector which receives a key insertable in a lock for automatically retracting the key from the lock when the key is turned to a predetermined position, such as the oif" position, thereby assuring that the key will not be accidentally left in the lock.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved key ejector which may be attached to various types of keys, which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, automatic in operation, foolproof, and may be constructed of various inexpensive materials which enhance the appearanceiof a key.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, andin which:

Figure l is a perspective view showing the key ejecting device of the present invention with the key removed therefrom; v

Figure 2 is an exploded group perspective view showing the several elements of the key ejector of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a longitudinal center line showing the key ejecting device with the key in retracted position;

I Figure 4 is a longitudinal, sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing the key in extended position and positioned in a lock; and

Figure 5 is a top plan sectional viewshowing the relationship of the various elements forming the key ejector of the present invention. 1.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, it will be seen that the numeral generally designates the key ejector of the present invention including a generally elongated tubular member 12 having internal screw threads 14 on one end thereof for threadedly receiving a closure cap 16 having an externally threaded boss 18 thereon for screw threaded engagement with the internal threads 14 thereby forming a closure for the open end 20 of the tubular member 12. The closure cap 16 is provided with a projection 22 having an opening 24 therein for receiving a suitable key chain for securing the key ejector 10 to the key chain. The other end of the tubular member 12 is generally provided with an inwardly extending and elongated flange 26 for receiving a generally elongated polygonal bar 28 having a peripheral flange 30 on the Un ted S i .Pfl fifi o H 2,738,667 Patented. Matt. .20, 1956 IQC outer end thereof. The bar 28 istelescopically engaged within a passage 32 formed by the inwardly extending flange 26 on the tubular member 12, and the inner end 34 ofthe bar .28 is closed and the bar 28 is provided with an elongated vertically disposed slot 36 therein. An opening 38 is provided in the enlarged end 30 of the bar 28 and the opening 38 is in communication with the slot 36. Ahon'zontally disposed slot 40 is provided in the side walls of the bar-ZS'for receiving a transverse pin 42 which projects through apertures 44 in the forward end of the tubular member 12 thereby locking the bar 28 and the tubular member 12 in assembled relation. Oppositely disposed notches 46 are provided in the end of the tubular member 12 for receiving the head 48 of a key 50 which is provided with a shank 52 and an opening 54 in the head for receiving the transverse pin 42. The transverse pin 42 is provided with a threaded portion 56 and a slotted head 58 for screw threaded engagement with one of the apertures 44 which is screw threaded, as indicated by the numeral 60. A compression coil spring 62 is disposed within the tubular member 12 and rests against the inner surface of the bar 28 and against the inner surface of the closure cap 16, thereby normally urging the bar 28 outwardly of the tubular member 12 and retaining the majority of the key shank 52 within the bar 28.

In operation, the key 50 is assembled with the key ejector 10 by placing the transverse pin 42 through the opening 54 in the key 50 and through the horizontal slot 40, thereby assembling the device substantially as illustrated in Figure 3. The shank 52 is inserted into a lock generally designated by the numeral 64 and the enlarged head 38 engages the surface thereof so that the, spring 62 will be compressed and the bar 28 telescoped into the tubular member 12. In this position, the key 50 may be rotated for actuating the lock in the usual manner, and

the pins and tumblers in the lock will retain the key 50 therein. As soon as the key 50 is returned to its normal "off position, the spring 62 will retract the key 50 from the lock 64. The device of the present invention will be especially useful in automobiles where it is desirable to remove the key 50 each time the lock is turned to an off position.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A key ejector comprising an elongated tubular member, an elongated bar telescopically received in said tubular member, spring means in said tubular member normally urging said bar outwardly from said tubular member, said bar having an elongated vertical slot therein, said bar having an enlarged outer end normally positioned in spaced relation to the tubular member, said enlarged outer end having an opening in communication with said slot for slidably receiving the shank of a key having the head thereof disposed in said slot, and means interconnecting the head of a key and the tubular member to prevent relative movement therebetween and engaged by said bar to limit movement of said bar outwardly of the tubular member whereby inward longitudinal movement of the tubular member when the enlarged end of the bar is positioned against a lock with the key shank aligned with the keyhole therein will cause the tubular member to telescope over the bar and project the key shank into the keyhole and tension said spring means for automatically retracting the key shank when pressure on the tubuspams:

lat member is released, said spring means including a compression 'coil spring disposed in said" tubular'member between a closed end thereof and an end of said bar.

2. A key ejector comprising an elongated tubular member,'anelongated bar telescopically received'in said tribular member, spring means in said tubular member normally urgingsaid bar outwardly from said tubular member, said bar having an elongated vertical slot therein, said bar having an enlarged outer end normally positioned in spaced relation to the tubular member, said enlarged outer end having an opening in communication with said slot for slidably receiving the shank of a key havingitherheadthereof disposed insaid slot, and means interconnecting the head of:a key and the tubular member to prevent relative movement therebetween and :engaged by'said bartolimit movement of saidjbar outwardly of thetubular member whereby inward longitudinal movement of the tubular member when the enlarged end of the bar is positioned against a lock with the key shank aligned -with "the dreyhole therein ---w-ill cause -the tubular member to telescope overtthe bar and project the key shank into the keyhole and tension said spring means for automatically retracting the key shank when pressure on the tubular member is released, said interconnecting means including a transverse ,pin extending across said tubular member and through'an aperture in the head of the key, said bar haYing-axhorizontal slot slidably receiving. said pintor limiting the telescopic movement of said bar in relation to said tubularmember.

zReferencesaCited in the tile; of this patent UNITED STATES .PATENTS 

